N e w s & U p d a t e s
10.25.23
ONE TRAIN is available for streaming now! Produced by New Camerata and featuring music by Hilary Purrington, a libretto by Hannah McDermott, and animation by Catarata, ONE TRAIN will delight and inspire children and adults alike. Stream it now!
ONE TRAIN is available for streaming now! Produced by New Camerata and featuring music by Hilary Purrington, a libretto by Hannah McDermott, and animation by Catarata, ONE TRAIN will delight and inspire children and adults alike. Stream it now!
8.28.23
It's here! Check out New Camerata Opera's official trailer for ONE TRAIN, an animated children's opera with music by Hilary Purrington, libretto by Hannah McDermott, and animation by Catarata. |
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5.20.23
Hilary Purrington has been named the winner of the Young New Yorkers' Chorus 2022–23 Competition for Young Composers for her new work Stars like goldfish. Check out the recording of the premiere! |
11.17.22
Hilary Purrington has been named a finalist in the Young New Yorkers' Chorus 2022–23 Competition for Young Composers. She will compose a new work for YNYC's treble ensemble, to be premiered in May 2023.
11.16.22
how do I find you, mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke's 2022 album, has been nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album. Purrington's song That Night, which features lyrics by Mark Campbell, is included on the album. Congratulations to Sasha, pianist Kirill Kuzmin, and the many outstanding composers included on the album! Listen to the full album on Spotify or wherever you stream music. |
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11.1.22 Hilary Purrington speaks with Gaetan Le Divelec, Vice President of Artistic Planning for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, about the composition process and premiere of Words for departure, Purrington's new choral symphony. For a limited time, you can stream a performance of Words for departure here. |
10.7.22
In a recent review of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's premiere of Words for departure, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution describes Hilary Purrington as a "composer with boundless energy and an ear for beauty and emotional substance." Read the full review!
9.8.22
The New York Times highlights the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's upcoming premiere of Words for departure in its Classical Music Fall Preview. Conductor Nathalie Stutzmann and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will premiere the new choral symphony on October 6, 8, and 9.
The New York Times highlights the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's upcoming premiere of Words for departure in its Classical Music Fall Preview. Conductor Nathalie Stutzmann and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will premiere the new choral symphony on October 6, 8, and 9.
8.20.22
NEW RECORDING: Look out for squalls for SATB choir a cappella Commissioned by the UNC Wilmington Chamber Choir, Look out for squalls was premiered in April 2022 with conductor Aaron Peisner. Learn more about this new work here! |
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6.24.22
OUT NOW: Harp of Nerves for solo acoustic guitar and orchestra
Performed & recorded by guitarist JIJI and the ASU Symphony Orchestra, Harp of Nerves is now streamable wherever you listen to music.
5.25.22
NEW ARTICLE on NewMusicBox: "On the value of time"
"Out of all the wacky things that composers do, money ought to be the most uncomplicated and straightforward component. When you approach a composer about a potential commission or collaboration, funding should be among the first issues you address. While it may feel distasteful to discuss money alongside your artistic vision, know that avoiding the topic—and even placing the impetus on the composer to inquire—is enormously disrespectful. Most composers wouldn’t claim to be in this business for the money, but we do expect to be treated professionally and compensated appropriately."
Read Hilary's full article on NewMusicBox.
NEW ARTICLE on NewMusicBox: "On the value of time"
"Out of all the wacky things that composers do, money ought to be the most uncomplicated and straightforward component. When you approach a composer about a potential commission or collaboration, funding should be among the first issues you address. While it may feel distasteful to discuss money alongside your artistic vision, know that avoiding the topic—and even placing the impetus on the composer to inquire—is enormously disrespectful. Most composers wouldn’t claim to be in this business for the money, but we do expect to be treated professionally and compensated appropriately."
Read Hilary's full article on NewMusicBox.
3.23.22
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announces its 2022–23 season, which includes the world premiere of Hilary's choral symphony Words for Departure, which will be conducted by Nathalie Stutzmann on her inaugural concert as Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Music Director. Learn more!
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announces its 2022–23 season, which includes the world premiere of Hilary's choral symphony Words for Departure, which will be conducted by Nathalie Stutzmann on her inaugural concert as Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Music Director. Learn more!
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1.28.22
how do i find you, a new album by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, is out today! The album feature 17 new songs by 17 composers, and it includes a recording of "That Night", a collaboration between Hilary and librettist Mark Campbell. Find the album wherever you stream and/or purchase music! |
11.17.21
Check out the world premiere of Threshold, a quirky new fanfare for chamber orchestra. ROCO (Houston, TX) commissioned Threshold in 2020 to celebrate the ensemble's fifteenth anniversary. A brief, energetic concert opener, Threshold welcomes audience members and energizes them for the concert ahead. |
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9.15.21
The 2021–22 season calendar is here! This year's performances include world premieres of new works for the UNCG Symphony Orchestra, ROCO, Catchfire Collective, UNC Wilmington Chamber Choir, and mezzo-soprano Susanne Mentzer. Performing music by Hilary? Let us know.
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7.25.21
Check out Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra's gorgeous recording of Anthem for string orchestra, one of the works selected in WHCO's first annual Call for Scores. Hilary composed Anthem in 2012 as a gift for her high school's string orchestra. |
7.15.21
Virtuoso guitarist JIJI premieres passaggio for solo guitar on July 22 at Caramoor! Learn more and purchase tickets here.
6.3.21
Hilary has been named a winner in Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra's first annual Call for Scores! The ensemble will record Anthem for string orchestra later this month.
1.8.21
Watch acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke's recent recital with Houston Grand Opera here! This performance, which is free to stream, includes the premiere of That Night, a new song with lyrics by Mark Campbell.
10.13.20
San Francisco Classical Voice describes the cadenza from Harp of Nerves as "beautiful, pensive." Read the complete review of JIJI's recent recital!
7.9.20
Hilary is a recipient of a commission through the League of American Orchestras' Women Composers Readings and Commissions Program, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. This commission will support Hilary's upcoming work for the Philadelphia Orchestra and Westminster Symphonic Choir, scheduled to premiere in February 2021. Learn more and read the press release!
6.3.21
Hilary has been named a winner in Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra's first annual Call for Scores! The ensemble will record Anthem for string orchestra later this month.
1.8.21
Watch acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke's recent recital with Houston Grand Opera here! This performance, which is free to stream, includes the premiere of That Night, a new song with lyrics by Mark Campbell.
10.13.20
San Francisco Classical Voice describes the cadenza from Harp of Nerves as "beautiful, pensive." Read the complete review of JIJI's recent recital!
7.9.20
Hilary is a recipient of a commission through the League of American Orchestras' Women Composers Readings and Commissions Program, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. This commission will support Hilary's upcoming work for the Philadelphia Orchestra and Westminster Symphonic Choir, scheduled to premiere in February 2021. Learn more and read the press release!
3.3.20
Announcing the video release of Harp of Nerves! Watch an exquisite video recording of guitarist JIJI performing Harp of Nerves with the ASU Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jeffery Meyer. Harp of Nerves was commissioned by American Composers Orchestra and premiered at Carnegie Hall in November, 2019. Many thanks to JIJI, the musicians and leadership of ACO, Jeffery Meyer and the musicians of ASU Symphony Orchestra, and the videographers of Four/Ten Media for this gorgeous recording! |
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2.17.20
North Carolina Symphony announces its 2020/21 season! NCS and guest conductor Ruth Reinhardt will perform Daylights for orchestra in March 2021.
2.3.20
Hilary is a winner of KHORIKOS's 4th Ortus International New Music Competition! KHORIKOS will perform John Eason Stops Preaching, along with other winning pieces, on their May 2, 2020 performance at The Shrine Church of St. Anthony of Padua in New York, NY.
11.14.19
New York Classical Review discusses American Composers Orchestra's recent concert and the world premiere of Harp of Nerves, praising JIJI's virtuosic performance.
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11.7.19
Guitarist JIJI plays an excerpt from Harp of Nerves, a new concerto for guitar and orchestra. JIJI and American Composers Orchestra will premiere the work 11.13.19 at Carnegie Hall. |
10.11.19
Learn more about Harp of Nerves, Hilary's new guitar concerto, in this interview with American Composers Orchestra. ACO and guitarist JIJI will premiere Harp of Nerves on November 13, 2019, at Carnegie Hall. Purchase your tickets here!
9.12.19
The New York Times highlights Hilary's upcoming performances with American Composers Orchestra (11.13.19) and the New England Philharmonic (10.26.19) in its season preview!
5.23.19
"conjuring MAEJHH (by guest choreographer Annalee Traylor) exists in a world that is enclosed, stifling, almost claustrophobic. With the back curtains drawn and the trio of dancers (Erin Dillon, Elisabeth Jeffrey, and Hannah Weber) in formal black gowns, there is no color on stage. Even the music (by guest composer Hilary Purrington, performed by Jonathan Howard Katz on the piano) is stark and sparse," says Glenna Yu in her Dance Enthusiast audience review of Periapsis Music and Dance's recent performance of conjuring MAEJHH, a collaboration between Hilary and Annalee Traylor. |
Photo by Andrew Fassbender for Rachel Neville.
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5.3.19
Take a behind-the-scenes look at conjuring MAEJHH, a collaboration with choreographer Annalee Traylor and Periapsis Music and Dance. Performances are May 10 & 11 at Kumble Theater! Purchase tickets here. |
4.12.19
The Sioux City Journal describes Above the last cloud "an interesting exercise in precision, [that] tested the discipline of the violin section and showed how facile Purrington is with melody and surprise." Read the complete review of last weekend's concert here!
3.19.19
Check out The Cold from Because, a new book by Mo Willems!
4.12.19
The Sioux City Journal describes Above the last cloud "an interesting exercise in precision, [that] tested the discipline of the violin section and showed how facile Purrington is with melody and surprise." Read the complete review of last weekend's concert here!
3.19.19
Check out The Cold from Because, a new book by Mo Willems!
2.15.19
Because by Mo Willems will be available for purchase on March 5! Hilary composed a short piece for the work, which is featured in Amber Ren's exquisite illustrations (and can be heard in the video to the right). Learn more and order your copy here! In Because, Mo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl's journey to center stage. |
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1.4.19
The New York Times includes Hilary's guitar concerto in its highlight of Carnegie Hall's 2019–20 season. This new work, commissioned by American Composers Orchestra, will be premiered with soloist Jiji in November 2019.
12.21.18
The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra has named Hilary Purrington its Composer of the Year! Hilary will compose a new work for SCSO, which will be premiered in April 2019.
9.7.18
The Philadelphia Orchestra has announced that they will commission Hilary Purrington and the other five composers featured in their recent Showcase for Works by Women Composers! Read the complete announcement.
8.16.18
Likely Pictures in Haphazard Sky will be read by the Philadelphia Orchestra on September 6! Read more in this article from the Philadelphia Inquirer.
5.10.18
Hilary's new work for chamber orchestra will be premiered on June 3 by the Albany Symphony as part of the 2018 American Music Festival!
3.7.18
Hilary has been selected to participate in an Emerging Artist Residency with Periapsis Music and Dance! She will create a new work in collaboration with choreographer Annalee Traylor. Learn more here!
3.5.18
Compass New Music Series has selected Stress and Sunshine for performance by Vent Nouveau on March 25, 2018! The concert will consist entirely of music by living female composers. Tickets are available here!
11.6.17
Hilary writes about the process of composing and revising Likely Pictures in Haphazard Sky in a blog post for NewMusicBox. Check it out! Likely Pictures will be rehearsed and performed by the Minnesota Orchestra this week as part of the Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute. Tickets for this Friday's "Future Classics" concert are available here!
10.6.17
Watch the SUNY Fredonia Concert Band's premiere of Orbit is Falling here!
8.19.17
Hilary has been awarded the 2017 Christine Clark/Theodore Front Prize by the International Alliance for Women in Music! Read the press release and learn more about the prize by visiting the IAWM site.
7.10.17
Hilary is thrilled to be the winner of the 2017 Underwood Commission from the American Composers Orchestra! “Hilary Purrington’s music spoke in a highly personal voice,” said ACO Artistic Director Derek Bermel. “Her work unfolded assuredly, revealing an orchestral palette at once austere and lyrical.” Read the complete press release here!
6.26.17
Check out some photos from this year's Underwood New Music Readings! The American Composers Orchestra, conducted by George Manahan, read and recorded Likely Pictures in Haphazard Sky (2016).
5.12.2017
Hilary has been chosen to participate in the 2017 Underwood New Music Readings in June! Read more in the press release.
5.9.2017
Hilary recently received awards at the annual Yale School of Music Honors Dinner! Read more about the event here.
5.4.2017
Hilary has been selected to participate in the 2017 Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute! Read more about it here.
4.25.2017
Check out this article about the recent premiere of A Clarion Call, a new song cycle for baritone and chamber ensemble!
3.22.2017
The Bowers-Fader Duo will be giving soft premieres of Places among the stars and Three little birds for mezzo-soprano and guitar this Friday, 3/24 at 8pm! You can watch the performance live here.
3.9.2017
Hilary has been selected to compose a new work for the New York Youth Symphony! The piece will open the NYYS's 2017-18 season. Read more here!
3.1.2017
Hilary is the recipient of a 2017 Charles Ives Scholarship awarded by the American Academy of Arts and Letters! Read the full press release here.
2.1.2017
Hilary is featured as a Composer of the Month on the Washington Square Winds website! This May, WSW will premiere Stress & Sunshine, a New York City-inspired work for wind quintet.
1.10.2017
The Portland Press Herald reviews the ChoralART Camerata's "Epiphany Celebration" concert, which featured the premiere of "Ring out, wild bells"! "Tennyson’s imagery and Purrington’s ear-catching setting give the piece an appealing, carol-like surface, but its real appeal is in the sophistication and subtlety of its inner rhythms, which have the choir’s sections singing at different speeds but remaining tightly interwoven." Read the full review here!
12.12.2016
Listen to the complete recording of the Yale Philharmonia's premiere of Likely Pictures in Haphazard Sky here!
10.27.2016
Hilary wins the 2016 ChoralArt New England Carol Competition! The ChoralArt Camerata of Portland, ME will premiere Ring out, wild bells for SATB choir in January 2017. Learn more about ChoralArt and their annual competition here!
8.29.2016
Cassandra is featured on Composers Circle! Listen here.
6.25.2016
Click here to listen to Cassandra, a new work for women's choir, piano, and percussion quartet! Cassandra was commissioned in 2015 by the Melodia Women's Choir of NYC.
5.27.2016
Check out the New York Times review of New Music New Haven's performance in the NY Phil Biennial! "In 'For your judicious and pious consideration,' Hilary Purrington (a Yale student) adapted excerpts from a 1692 petition by Mary Eastey, executed in the Salem witch trials. Scored for mezzo-soprano (Adele Grabowski), piano (Yevgeny Yontov) and viola (Julia Clancy), the text was delivered by Ms. Grabowski with expressive conviction and Ms. Clancy vividly rendered the agitated viola solos." Read the full review here!
5.24.2016
New Music New Haven performs tomorrow evening in the NY Phil Biennial! The concert will include the world premiere of For your judicious and pious consideration, a new piece for mezzo-soprano, viola, and piano. Visit the Events page for more information, or livestream the concert here!
5.11.2016
Come out to Lincoln Center this evening for Insights at the Atrium, part of the NY Phil Biennial! Music director Alan Gilbert sits down with artists from across the new-music spectrum to preview highlights from the festival. Learn more here!
5.9.2016
Hilary Purrington discusses "Cassandra," a new commission for the Melodia Women's Choir of NYC, with conductor Cynthia Powell, founder Jenny Clarke, and mythology expert Laura Shamas! Listen to conversation on Blog Talk Radio. Melodia will premiere "Cassandra" on May 14 - visit the Events page for more information!
4.23.2016
"As a female composer writing for women, I found it fitting to create a work that tells a story about an extraordinary woman," said Purrington. "Everyone thought there was something 'wrong' with Cassandra, but, in fact, she was just a victim of her time....I like to imagine her as formidably intelligent and outspoken, a woman millennia ahead of her time." Click here for the full article about the upcoming premiere of Cassandra, a new choral work commissioned by the Melodia Women's Choir of NYC!
2.1.2016
Check out the Events page for several upcoming performances!
12.8.2015
Watch a sneak preview of A Sound Soul in a Sound Body for amplified harpsichord & percussion quartet, commissioned by Robert Fleitz in 2015! He will be premiering the new work on Thursday, 12/17. More information here!
10.6.2015
New recordings have been added to the Listen page! Check out a clip from the Musical Chairs Chamber Ensemble's premiere of With reluctant morning eyes.
9.15.2015
Hilary wins the 2015 Melodia Women's Choir Commissioning Competition! She will be working on a new piece for women's choir, piano, and percussion, to be premiered in May 2016 in New York, NY.
www.melodiawomenschoir.org
4.15.2015
Hilary Purrington is selected in the Musical Chairs Chamber Ensemble's 2015 Composer Search! They will commission a new work from her, to be premiered on June 5, 2015.
http://mcensemble.org